John, left, and Adrian at one of the raised beds - showing the plaque Adrian had the honour of unveiling when he was the Mayor

Cllr John Salter, left, called in to visit Love Lane Allotments today.

First on his list was the Community Plot. This is a venture which lets disabled people continue their gardening interests – and it also provides an introduction to gardening for pupils from some of our local schools.

The construction material for the plot – timber, fencing, slabs etc. – was paid for through grants from ‘People & Places’ and the Area Forum. Timber for the raised beds, and most of the other materials, were sourced from local businesses. But because of what was being done for the community all the local traders gave hefty discounts – and a lot of valuable help and advice. There is also a secure steel shed visible at the rear to store tools.

The generosity of local businesses is shown on the plaque

Adrian, a recent plot holder at this site, commented on the first class way the allotments are run:

“The Love Lane Allotments are well managed, with a first class site secretary and committee. I’ve recently taken over a plot that needed a lot of work but it’s rewarding to see it coming into good order with plants already growing – it was well worththe wait. The plot tenants are a friendly company of people and new plot-holders can bank on having plenty of advice from the experienced gardeners.”

Totally overgrown a few weeks ago this plot is now nearly ready for seedlings to be transplanted from the greenhouse.

The invasive Japanese Knotweed has become a problem. John is going to investigate to see whether help can be found to have it eradicated.

John also spotted the overgrown hedge that is intruding into the footpath bordering the site. He is going to ask the Council to have it trimmed back.

When John & Adrian were out delivering leaflets and talking to residents some plot holders from nearby Love Lane Allotments stopped to chat. They told us about the new Allotment regime that has recently streamlined procedures. It seems several new plot holders are busy clearing their patches and planting winter onions and other crops – such as next year’s broad beans which, we learned, if over-wintered are more black-fly resistant than if planted in February. You can learn a lot from gardeners!

This site has also driven an interesting initiative in which one plot is given over as a ‘Community Allotment’ with raised beds and easy access – an excellent way to introduce the pleasures of gardening to people who might otherwise not easily be able to take part.

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